Cue 80's "hair band" music, folks. Today at 1:30 pm, if the Lord wills, I will go behind closed doors for the Master of Ministry exit interview armed with the rough-mixed "least" album. My reviewers will mentally scourge and flog me for up to 2 hours. Afterwards, I'll know whether or not to bother going by and picking up my cap and gown for Saturday's graduation ceremony (10 am 19 December 2009 in the Benson Auditorium on the Searcy, Arkansas Harding University campus - no cover charge...).
"least" is a tribute to work of Jesus of Nazareth in and through my life as a living, breathing "word" of God. "Under the Sun" sets the tone of duality by being a really fun reggae tune with a serious, dark, and brooding message about universal oppression in the world.
The next two songs on the album explore the roots of exodus by our postmodern friends from anything religious. "Sum Nothing Again" is the philosophical weirdness I went through a few years back. I think others, sadly, will relate to the hopelessness therein. "Porter" is what I saw growing up in a small, Southern, Christian, post-Vietnam War town. Fallen leaders, be they murderous physicians or racist religious and educational experts, are the porters at the doors to the gospel.
"Ishmael" generates awareness about the roots of our current global conflict between radical Islam and anyone who does not bow the knee to Allah. Jesus died so that all of His creation can be redeemed from hate and strife. My good friend, Tim, asked me upon first hearing this song, "are you trying to get yourself killed?" No, but it the gospel call is for all - including our Islamic friends.
While delivering a series of lessons on leadership to inmates at the Varner maximum security unit, one of the men brought up the thought of the power of forgiveness. That God has given us both the example of His forgiveness of our actions against His will and empowered us to extend that forgiveness, through the power of the gospel, is an amazing responsibility. Forgiveness is lived out in our daily lives when we hurt those around us and empower them to forgive us by seeking reconciliation. It is also expressed in our extreme privilege to look into the eyes of another soul and say, as Christ says, "of course I forgive you!"
The first step to receiving forgiveness is to admit that there is a problem. "To Any Looking In" is my humbly inadequate attempt to flesh out the problem of hypocrisy in the Christian world. This song was written at an extremely spiritually-deficient time in my life (and it shows in the critical nature of the lyrics). Again, I am saddened by the fact that many already have identified with these lyrics.
However, we can press on to the more yearning faith spoken of in "I See You". My life is a constant struggle between what Paul describes as a war between the Spirit and the Flesh. Like Peter, sometimes I find it easier to identify with those who are not living the Christian faith to the fullest. But friends like Paul keep me focused on denying myself and proclaiming Christ. Friends, I really can't wait until I get to see Jesus face to face.
"Anymore" is my personal statement against the consumer-driven, materially focused mindset that exists in Western culture. So much of my life has been chasing worthless goals and dreams - things that are self-serving and will not survive the trial by fire we will all endure. The problem with me is that I'm blind to what I'm blind to. "Lift the Veil" is a plea for God to remove the blindness of whatever "-ism" is standing between us spiritually.
When we see the world as Christ sees the world we will experience a constant burden for the spiritually blind in our time. This blindness is reinforced both by poverty and affluence, ignorance and education, slavery and freedom, and so much more. Seeing clearly allows us to walk with Christ, like a bride with her strong and perfect groom, through the streets of our past relationships and flawed decisions. "Dearly Beloved and I" is my take on friendship evangelism.
Ultimately, there is nothing more profound that has ever happened than Immanuel, "God is with us." When Jesus left His eternal home to make His habitation among us, at the very moment of conception within the womb of sweet, innocent Mary, He placed Himself on death-row. For His last meal, when He could have had anything at all, He choose fellowship over bread and wine. He has called each of us to be like Him, bread that gives comfort in fellowship and the wine of a sacrificial life. It is the least that we can do to share His message, by whatever talents or skills, words or deeds, gains or losses He blesses us to endure.
I sincerely hope that these songs will make sense as a grouping of thoughts. I pray God's blessings on hearers of this simple attempt to express a life of gratitude and service to His Kingdom. Please feel free to be as critical or praising as you desire. The latest versions will be uploaded to www.reverbnation.com/jeffkreh before graduation regardless of the today's exit interview.
16 December 2009
27 November 2009
Nearing Completion
The Master of Ministry program is, if the Lord wills, going to be competed within the next few weeks. This project, however, is a thing which once begun cannot be completed. The album is nearing a point of release, true. But the ongoing effects of the album and project are not as easily calculated toward a completion.
It is my hope that the album will move into the final stages of post-production over the next two weeks so that I can offer downloads and CDs before Christmas 2009. In the meantime, I am impressed by the interest of others in the songs and message. This interest has prompted me to explore ways to continue producing songs that promote positive values. Some of these songs are more "Christian" than others at first glance, but all share the common core of being produced from a Christian worldview.
Please bear with me as I near completion of the goal of finishing the MMin program and the role of this album project within that program. If you are able and willing, I'd love you to share what is available at reverbnation.com/jeffkreh with others. Every time someone listens the songs move up in the online charts. This improvement in the charts exposes others to the songs, which multiplies the reach of the songs and my Christian influence.
My desire is that God be glorified in all of this. I have fallen prey to the allure of fame in my pre-Christian days. So I recognize both the tactics of the enemy and my susceptibility to this temptation. However, my former self lacked love for God and the power of His Spirit to withstand these challenges. My commitment is to use whatever He places within my care to His glory. This includes my marriage, my relationship with my son, my extended family and church relationships, general talents of life and breath, specific talents of intellect and creativity, social influence and whatever else.
If you can join with me in promoting these talents to His glory, great. If not, that's fine, too. In any event, I hope you have been blessed by these songs and however Christ is working in and through me. Thank you for listening and having my best interest in your heart as I seek to serve the Lord more and more through my entire being.
It is my hope that the album will move into the final stages of post-production over the next two weeks so that I can offer downloads and CDs before Christmas 2009. In the meantime, I am impressed by the interest of others in the songs and message. This interest has prompted me to explore ways to continue producing songs that promote positive values. Some of these songs are more "Christian" than others at first glance, but all share the common core of being produced from a Christian worldview.
Please bear with me as I near completion of the goal of finishing the MMin program and the role of this album project within that program. If you are able and willing, I'd love you to share what is available at reverbnation.com/jeffkreh with others. Every time someone listens the songs move up in the online charts. This improvement in the charts exposes others to the songs, which multiplies the reach of the songs and my Christian influence.
My desire is that God be glorified in all of this. I have fallen prey to the allure of fame in my pre-Christian days. So I recognize both the tactics of the enemy and my susceptibility to this temptation. However, my former self lacked love for God and the power of His Spirit to withstand these challenges. My commitment is to use whatever He places within my care to His glory. This includes my marriage, my relationship with my son, my extended family and church relationships, general talents of life and breath, specific talents of intellect and creativity, social influence and whatever else.
If you can join with me in promoting these talents to His glory, great. If not, that's fine, too. In any event, I hope you have been blessed by these songs and however Christ is working in and through me. Thank you for listening and having my best interest in your heart as I seek to serve the Lord more and more through my entire being.
04 November 2009
Remote Control Upload
I uploaded this song to www.reverbnation.com/jeffkreh late last month and immediate received a "where are the horns??" message from my good friend Jeff Henig. The refreshed version (which also sports massaged vocals that are a bit more pleasing to the ear concerned with pitch) is uploaded and ready for your comments. Just head over to reverbnation and take a listen to the first track, "Remote Control"
The song uses a dual metaphor to explore the emptiness of treating God, through selfish prayers, like a simple remote control. Those who wish to delve into the secondary metaphor of living in a representative system of government where the voice of the people is being lost can make additional connections between the "remote control" metaphor and prayer...
Enjoy!
The song uses a dual metaphor to explore the emptiness of treating God, through selfish prayers, like a simple remote control. Those who wish to delve into the secondary metaphor of living in a representative system of government where the voice of the people is being lost can make additional connections between the "remote control" metaphor and prayer...
Enjoy!
Focus Group Update
The MCA focus group was incredible. First, these high-school students are operating at a graduate level in many respects. It was humbling to hear their take on "To Any Looking In" and "Anymore" during our time together. Most of the comments were along the lines of agreement. The underlying truth in these songs seems to resonate - which prompted one student to confess her challenge with materialism and need for greater faith in Christ.
The students also noted the impracticalities in today's world of having "focus groups" for listening/thinking about much of anything outside of an academic or "church" setting. However, they were quick to point out that lyrics, especially when "pemcoated" by appealing music (like the fertilizer surround the "perfect patch" grass seed), sinks into the subconscious of the listener and takes root. This is seen in the common use of lyric snippets or song titles in facebook posts and daily language (like Jesus saying, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" from Psalm 22). So, the art of music, in the hands of a Christian, can have a powerful effect on the thoughts, considerations, and actions of even the most casual listener.
One final insight the students offered is that the job of the artist is to produce art. This sounds kind of simplistic at first, but is pretty profound. Artists, in the purest sense, are not concerned with anything so much as creating art - the purer the better. When I asked about relationship with artists the students were, for the first time, perplexed. "You mean, like, have a relationship with an artist?" I realized then and there that no matter how hard I may try to deeply interact and form relationships with listeners, that my primary concern is to "preach the word."
Casting the seed of the message of Christ is of second priority to pursuing my relationship with Him. Casting the seed helps my relationship with Him and may lead to others pursuing Him. But like my job as an artist is to create and publish art, my job as a Christian is to cast the seed of His Word and be, likewise, cast by Him as a seed of influence into the world.
Please continue to pray for my efforts to be good seed as I seek to lift up the "least" among us as the Greatest.
The students also noted the impracticalities in today's world of having "focus groups" for listening/thinking about much of anything outside of an academic or "church" setting. However, they were quick to point out that lyrics, especially when "pemcoated" by appealing music (like the fertilizer surround the "perfect patch" grass seed), sinks into the subconscious of the listener and takes root. This is seen in the common use of lyric snippets or song titles in facebook posts and daily language (like Jesus saying, "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" from Psalm 22). So, the art of music, in the hands of a Christian, can have a powerful effect on the thoughts, considerations, and actions of even the most casual listener.
One final insight the students offered is that the job of the artist is to produce art. This sounds kind of simplistic at first, but is pretty profound. Artists, in the purest sense, are not concerned with anything so much as creating art - the purer the better. When I asked about relationship with artists the students were, for the first time, perplexed. "You mean, like, have a relationship with an artist?" I realized then and there that no matter how hard I may try to deeply interact and form relationships with listeners, that my primary concern is to "preach the word."
Casting the seed of the message of Christ is of second priority to pursuing my relationship with Him. Casting the seed helps my relationship with Him and may lead to others pursuing Him. But like my job as an artist is to create and publish art, my job as a Christian is to cast the seed of His Word and be, likewise, cast by Him as a seed of influence into the world.
Please continue to pray for my efforts to be good seed as I seek to lift up the "least" among us as the Greatest.
19 October 2009
"Focus Groups"
The Capstone Project has to be about more than recording and promoting an album. Ministry is the focus, obviously, of a Master of Ministry program. So, the question becomes, "how do these songs promote ministry?"
One essential component of ministry is that it involved the people of God being willing to be used by Him to impact the lives of others for His purpose. Being used in this way improves the relationship of God with His people, His people with themselves as community, and the community of God with those who remain outside the community.
For these songs to effectively serve as a ministry tool, it is my view that they must lead to some sort of impact that is both personal and relational. To this end, "focus groups" are being formed and conducted which explore the lyrics and probe the potential for conversation. It is in conversations that one heart shares with another and both more clearly see the path to eternal friendship.
The first of these "focus group" sessions is scheduled to take place in a few days out in Midland, Texas. A group of Fine Arts students at Midland Classical Academy and I will be led by their tutor, Cameron Smith, in a discussion of the conversational merits of one of the songs from "least".
However, I am finding that there is an already ongoing "focus group" of sorts taking place in your responses to these songs. I hope to return from the MCA experience equipped with some great questions to guide our conversation. In the meantime, I would LOVE you to review the lyrics and ask me some questions. Please risk being critical.
One essential component of ministry is that it involved the people of God being willing to be used by Him to impact the lives of others for His purpose. Being used in this way improves the relationship of God with His people, His people with themselves as community, and the community of God with those who remain outside the community.
For these songs to effectively serve as a ministry tool, it is my view that they must lead to some sort of impact that is both personal and relational. To this end, "focus groups" are being formed and conducted which explore the lyrics and probe the potential for conversation. It is in conversations that one heart shares with another and both more clearly see the path to eternal friendship.
The first of these "focus group" sessions is scheduled to take place in a few days out in Midland, Texas. A group of Fine Arts students at Midland Classical Academy and I will be led by their tutor, Cameron Smith, in a discussion of the conversational merits of one of the songs from "least".
However, I am finding that there is an already ongoing "focus group" of sorts taking place in your responses to these songs. I hope to return from the MCA experience equipped with some great questions to guide our conversation. In the meantime, I would LOVE you to review the lyrics and ask me some questions. Please risk being critical.
The Land of Endless Day
There are so many good and sensible reasons to reject the hand of Christ. Mine had to do with not wanting to give up the things I thought meant something. There's only room on the throne of this heart for one king, and I wanted to be king of my life. Just me. But what I discovered from the empty hotel room I chose was that nothing has any real and lasting life apart from the source of life - and I knew that it wasn't me who made the flowers bloom or the seas tide.
The world offers momentary pleasure. But the high wears off and you're left constantly wanting more - which the world will gladly sell you in exchange for an ever increasing portion of your day. But at the end of days, "why in the world would you wait when the world offers nothing at all?"
Lyrics: Tim Henderson & Jeff Kreh
Why in the world would you wait
when the world offers nothing at all?
Jesus calls from the home He's prepared by His grace
singing, “why in the world would you wait?”
Come if your heart you would change
to accept His most basic command
and a land can be yours where there's never a pain
only come if your heart can be changed
Chorus:
We'll exchange our cross for a golden crown
where the gates swing outward never
and we'll sing the song of heaven's praise
in the land of endless day
If you would call on His name
just, to know you've been washed in the blood
how He'd love you to see what it means to believe
only, why in the world would you wait?
tell me, why in the world do you wait?
Chorus
My Beloved and Me
Personalized evangelism has become a central concern over the past few years. This song looks at what sharing the story of eternal love might look like in 21st century culture. And it sort of reminds me of the Greyhound trip from Nashville to Little Rock in 1997 when I barfed up the Nashville bus station hashbrowns on the shoes of the undercover narcotics officer outside the Memphis station!
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
Dearly Beloved and I
strolled through the old part of town
and there met a beard stained with whiskey and time
begging a mere happy meal and some wine
a mere happy meal and some wine
His son would be passing by soon
and he needed a gift for his son
because little boys look to papaws for dreams
of “what on earth are we here for?”
“Woe, and what on earth are we here for?”
Reaching deep gave him everything asked
took him home,
gave a shave and a bath and a comb
a new change of clothes
socks and shoes,
trimmed his toes
and when asked, “goodness, why?”
with tear in eye
I told him a story my own
I told him a story my own
I told him, “my own grandpa I never knew,
“but my mother's dad saved him for me
“to a land of delight where the wine ever flows
“and there's bread enough for all to eat.”
There's bread enough for all to eat.
He patiently sat as the story unveiled
of “one fateful day by a tree”
and later that night in the cold Tennessee
he came to his senses and free
he became my Beloved and me
Dearly Beloved and I
strolled through the old part of town...
Born To Die
If I really believe He was 'Born to Die', then why on earth keep that story silent? And if I'm keeping it to myself, do I really believe it? Am I selfish? Am I jealous that He could be loved by and love others? Open your mouth, Jeff...open your mouth.
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
On a clear and starry night
a cry breaks the silence
the world is hushed in awe at the Creator in new birth
Angels praise His name
shepherds, stilled, proclaim
“surely this must be the Son of God”
Mary, loving mother of the savior of the earth
hardly comprehends what all this means
watching Him grow up
oftentimes forgetting
the deed that He must do to save her soul
Chorus:
For He was born to die
as a baby in a manger
He gives all that He has
for friends and for strangers
unselfish and blameless in everything since birth
on a clear and starry night
He was born to die
All along His way He lives a life predestined
knowing where the end is and all the ways out
but on Mt. Olive's brow
blood drops down proclaiming
Jesus knows the will of God
and what He must do
Chorus
Bridge:
It's hard to believe He would want to give up heaven's life for me
Dying in my sin that I might begin to live a life worthy of His death
Chorus
Lift the Veil
I'm spiritually blind to what I'm spiritually blind to, so how can I ever hope to see without a little help from a sight-enabling friend? "Lord, I am willing to be more willing to be what you want me to be. Please reveal and grant me the courage and strength to follow."
Lyrics: Apostle Paul & Jeff Kreh
Chorus:
Lift the veil of my heart,
lift the veil of my heart
lift the veil to reveal my inmost parts
lift the veil of my heart
You have written
you have spoken
not with paper
or emotion
but by your Spirit
given as a token
to any soul
who humbly comes
willing to be broken
Chorus
Bridge:
Now we all
with an open face beholding
as in a mirror the image of our Lord
are changed into His image
from glory to glory
by the Spirit of our God
Chorus
Anymore
Ours is a consumer-driven society. However, sometimes it seems we are oblivious to the fact that our insecurities are being played for profit. How much is enough? What is enough?
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
Checkin' out with all the things we're shown to love
and though my bags are heavy, it's never quite enough
Chorus:
Ah, I don't want this anymore
No, no, I don't want this anymore
No more your beast of burden headed for the door
since you've given your best offer, I'll search another store
Chorus
Bridge:
Come unto me all ye that labor
come and I will give you rest
take my yoke upon you and learn of me
I want to give you rest
Look around at every bird, always fed and free
even grass and flowers wear better clothes than me
Ah, if that is to be free
Woe, then I don't want this anymore
Bridge
14 October 2009
Remote Control
When those in charge just keep holding their hands on either side of your face, forcing you to look into their eyes, and continually repeat, "everything's fine, it's all okay, everything's fine...relax, trust me...it's all going to be alright" despite your most rational protest, what then?? Moreover, if prayer is just a "magic-trick" to get what is wanted, and it doesn't work, it's easy to feel just as disconnected from above as from D.C.
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
I got to know where the road leads in my time
and find that it is when your mind is mine
I need you to come and show me
Show that you really know me
Blow my heart when the world is snowy
waken up til it's extra glowy
raindrops turn to gumdrops
gumdrops help the pain pop
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
Lost the remote control (two-way sound system's broken)
Lost the remote control (and so all praise is token)
My, oh My, old eyes are clouds of rain
My, oh My, we will never be the same
Unless somebody leaves this couch to change the dial
Who will say, "I"?
(Why did you stop there?)
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
Lost the remote control (two-way sound system's broken)
Lost the remote control (and so all praise is token)
My, oh My, old eyes are clouds of rain
My, oh My, we will never be the same
Unless somebody leaves this couch to change the dial
Who will say, "I"?
I got to know where the road leads in my time
and find that it is when your mind is mine
I need you to come and show me
Show that you really know me
Blow my heart when the world is snowy
waken up til it's extra glowy
raindrops turn to gumdrops
gumdrops help the pain pop
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
I got to know where the road leads in my time
and find that it is when your mind is mine
I need you to come and show me
Show that you really know me
Blow my heart when the world is snowy
waken up til it's extra glowy
raindrops turn to gumdrops
gumdrops help the pain pop
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
Lost the remote control (two-way sound system's broken)
Lost the remote control (and so all praise is token)
My, oh My, old eyes are clouds of rain
My, oh My, we will never be the same
Unless somebody leaves this couch to change the dial
Who will say, "I"?
(Why did you stop there?)
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
Lost the remote control (two-way sound system's broken)
Lost the remote control (and so all praise is token)
My, oh My, old eyes are clouds of rain
My, oh My, we will never be the same
Unless somebody leaves this couch to change the dial
Who will say, "I"?
I got to know where the road leads in my time
and find that it is when your mind is mine
I need you to come and show me
Show that you really know me
Blow my heart when the world is snowy
waken up til it's extra glowy
raindrops turn to gumdrops
gumdrops help the pain pop
The gloom is ever pressed
down here is where the rest are best
to be or not has truly left the scene
I See You
"What does Jesus look like from our time/space distance to one who desperately wants to believe?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
I see you
standing there before me
know I can't ignore
when you're looking at me that way
Yeah, and I see you
arms open wide
inviting me inside
never thought I'd feel this way
Cause?
Everyone says it's wrong to fall in love with you
Everyone says I'm wasting all my time
Sometimes I start to believe it
'Til I see you
I see you
hair a tangled mess
lips are drippin' red
for me there's just no other way
To express
all I feel for you
and all the things you do
you've been doing since the first day
Still,
Chorus
The day You died the world fell apart
Such a work of art to take it once for everyone
But You know sometimes I act so ashamed
'Til I see you standing there before me
Arms open wide, can't hide how I feel inside
You know I just can't wait until
I see you
09 October 2009
To Any Looking In
In ministry training we're taught to consider how what we look like, sound like, act like, ect... either invites or repels others. But I think it's a bit arrogant to assume the world notices religious efforts. So, to be fair, "if (not when) the world thinks 'church', what does it see?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
We rose too early to go and listen to what the Reverend had to say, but there was nothing reverent 'bout the way we sat and stared, taking it in, stifling signs of yesterday, but no signs were given soaking up his page.
Taught to listen, so we all listen, but do we ever try to think or reason how it all applies to this season? Taught to adhere, but we don't come near – don't come near to being Jesus...
Singing the songs, not thinking any thoughts, not praising any cross. Saying the lines, no echo in the mind, looks like a waste of time
Rhyming with the world, day in and out, without any meaningful deeds, so deceived a building fill the need and we justify the cost by sanctifying that which is of no use in the weak but to keep up and compete, losing souls to comfortable seats.
Taught to attend. Must all attend lest we reap the whispered criticisms, known as “one” - still in division. Taught to contribute all that's not our soul...we're not even really whole
Singing the songs, not thinking any thoughts, not praising any cross. Saying the lines, no echo in the mind, looks like a waste of time
To any looking in.
To any looking in, all they see is sin.
Can't you see the hurt within? Why can't you see the hurt within?
To any looking in, all they see is sin.
To any looking in.
Hear
Whether it's marriage or some other lesser relationships, there usually comes a point when one or both wonder "what's the point?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
“Hear” is the sorrow I can offer
clear all the cobwebs from this brain
and make me whole and sane
in your frame again
my fooled friend
me saying, “I'm sorry
“and want to re-begin”
“Hear” is the power to forgive
signs fade as memory rewinds
and we will find ourselves
in this phase again
my fooled friend
me saying, “I'm sorry
“and want to re-begin”
Somehow in your gaze I fall apart
and still I'm smiling as I start to
realizing that I'm doing it brand new
ah, you
(you) have the power to forgive
signs fade as memory rewinds
and we will find ourselves
in this phase again
“Hear” is the sorrow I can offer
clear all the cobwebs from this brain
and make me whole and sane
in your frame again
my foolish friend
me saying I'm so sorry
and want to re-begin
Ishmael
I remember holding my 4-month old son the day the towers came down. "Normal" sought redefinition, which drove me to the source of things. Genesis really does prove to reveal "the beginnings" of a great many things, including the answer to "just how far back is our present geopolitical upheaval rooted?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
Millions of memories
have flown
since your dear daddy said,
“my only son,
“you must be
“the Promised King
“to this old dying world.”
Ishmael.
Ishmael.
It's time to come back home.
Millions of memories
have flown
since you dear daddy said,
“my beloved son,
“you must be
“the Father King
“to this old dying world.”
Ishmael.
Ishmael.
It's time to come back home.
I sent my only son
your shattered soul to save
and spared you and yours of Abram's blood
of the guilt and the shame
Millions of memories
have flown
since your dear daddy said,
“my son, my son
“you must leave
“so he can be
“the only chosen on.”
Ishmael.
Ishmael.
It's time to come back home.
Ishmael.
Ishmael.
It's time
Woe, Ishmael, come back
More On "least"
My incredible friend, Jeff Henig, came over to the studio yesterday to help me classify what influences simply jump out from listening to the rough pre-production tracks of "least". Jeff is steeped in music and comes from a different listening background than I do. So, his insights were, well, insightful...
I had no idea that so many artists that I had never really paid attention to (and some I had never heard of) were so influential to the sound that is emerging. Edgar Winter Group... Really? Okay, I'll bite - so, I YouTubed a couple tracks online and found out it's pretty cool. Then there was the reference to Alice Cooper... Still not sure how he fits in. More obvious influences are Keith Green, GLAD, Bruce Hornsby, Billy Joel, etc... But David Bowie?? Really? And after some more YouTubing I'm sold...
But this project is about more than sounds, techniques, arrangements of notes, inflections, and, as it turns out, even more than lyrics. There has been an interest and outpouring of goodwill that I didn't really expect. Cindy, the wife I do not deserve and who deserves so very much better than me, thinks maybe it's because some people see me using a hitherto neglected talent (or at least unused for the past decade or so...) and are happy to encourage me. But I have to believe there is more at work here than anything so "me-centric."
No, what I'm finding is that while the song lyrics are striking an emotional-spiritual chord, the real magic lies in generating relationships. Some relationships are being re-invested, others are being re-discovered, and still others are being discovered for the first time. How cool is that? I mean, here's this highly introverted guy who thought he was perfectly happy and content to be relatively alone...and then relationships start to build and all I can think about is, "wow...here are all these people willing to help me...I wonder how I can ever help them?"
Then it strikes me all over again (from conversations twenty years passed), "life is about relationships." The other day Myles, our 8-year old, and I were driving into town and talking about sharing with those in need. Some people have needs that only others can fill, and for those others their great need is to help fill the needs... The result is proof of life.
I'm not sure yet where I fit into all this, whether I'm in need or filling needs - but I do know that I am enjoying the journey this project is taking me on. I'm enjoying finding that my journey is resonating with others and that others are willing to share their journey with me. It's almost like what I imagine it must have been like to sing ascension songs on the way to Jerusalem or field songs in the 1840's deep South. Sometimes depressing, sometimes exulting, always pressing on to some better destination - but not sacrificing taking in this moment with friends and family.
Thank you for sharing the journey thus far. I'll be posting some more lyrics from the album soon and hope the themes and thoughts are worth your comments.
I had no idea that so many artists that I had never really paid attention to (and some I had never heard of) were so influential to the sound that is emerging. Edgar Winter Group... Really? Okay, I'll bite - so, I YouTubed a couple tracks online and found out it's pretty cool. Then there was the reference to Alice Cooper... Still not sure how he fits in. More obvious influences are Keith Green, GLAD, Bruce Hornsby, Billy Joel, etc... But David Bowie?? Really? And after some more YouTubing I'm sold...
But this project is about more than sounds, techniques, arrangements of notes, inflections, and, as it turns out, even more than lyrics. There has been an interest and outpouring of goodwill that I didn't really expect. Cindy, the wife I do not deserve and who deserves so very much better than me, thinks maybe it's because some people see me using a hitherto neglected talent (or at least unused for the past decade or so...) and are happy to encourage me. But I have to believe there is more at work here than anything so "me-centric."
No, what I'm finding is that while the song lyrics are striking an emotional-spiritual chord, the real magic lies in generating relationships. Some relationships are being re-invested, others are being re-discovered, and still others are being discovered for the first time. How cool is that? I mean, here's this highly introverted guy who thought he was perfectly happy and content to be relatively alone...and then relationships start to build and all I can think about is, "wow...here are all these people willing to help me...I wonder how I can ever help them?"
Then it strikes me all over again (from conversations twenty years passed), "life is about relationships." The other day Myles, our 8-year old, and I were driving into town and talking about sharing with those in need. Some people have needs that only others can fill, and for those others their great need is to help fill the needs... The result is proof of life.
I'm not sure yet where I fit into all this, whether I'm in need or filling needs - but I do know that I am enjoying the journey this project is taking me on. I'm enjoying finding that my journey is resonating with others and that others are willing to share their journey with me. It's almost like what I imagine it must have been like to sing ascension songs on the way to Jerusalem or field songs in the 1840's deep South. Sometimes depressing, sometimes exulting, always pressing on to some better destination - but not sacrificing taking in this moment with friends and family.
Thank you for sharing the journey thus far. I'll be posting some more lyrics from the album soon and hope the themes and thoughts are worth your comments.
02 October 2009
Why Porter Ain't Here
Whether it's a local physician, educational leader, political figure, or religious guard, "what happens socially when leaders lose their bearing?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
He was a doctor who liked to drink too much coffee
among other things, he also liked his bourbon and beer
didn't mind performing surgery while intoxicated
which was fine 'til someone died and he got twenty years
That's why Porter ain't here
That's why Porter ain't here
That's why Porter ain't here
Anymore
Another doctor 'round the same time with that small Southern-town logic
rallied with his brothers, grabbed the white sheets and headed for the sticks
burned the very symbol of the god he worshiped every Sunday
and I heard that he got sick
yeah, I heard God made him very sick
Chorus
There was another many years ago with no such problems
did His job in ways for free, Science just still can't explain
but around the time these Porters were performing their injustice
they took this guy out of schools
and since then it's been insane
Chorus
Nothing Again
Begins from the beginning of my spiritually aware journey, wondering, "if nothing comes from nothing, how can this existence just turn into nothing at the end?"
Lyrics: Jeff Kreh
When I was six or seven
I learned to play with Plato
read all those stories and looked deep in the mine
Then older, maybe many
many “olders” later
I turned around to leave, surprised at what I could not find
And I, who once believed in nothing
tried to comprehend
all this melting down
into sum nothing again
When I look on my TV
it's not the way life should be
it's not the mother who feels like she'd like to lose her child
It's wild and over-happy
but not the kind that's sappy
it's real, oh so real
it's real, oh so real
Chorus
So I sit all contemplative
if real then why the waiting
why not just come and show us right where you are
Look around at all this sorrow
no childhood joy to borrow
dressed up and messed up and crawling cross the floor
Chorus
Under the Sun (Ecc. iv.1-2)
Look through the Preacher's glasses to ask, "why is it 'okay' that there are oppressed children in this world who have no one to comfort them?"
Lyrics: King Solomon (adapted from the ESV)
Again I saw
all
the oppressions
done
under the sun
And behold
the tears
of the oppressed
Little children have
no one
no one
no one to comfort them
Lyrics: King Solomon (adapted from the ESV)
Again I saw
all
the oppressions
done
under the sun
And behold
the tears
of the oppressed
Little children have
no one
no one
no one to comfort them
Song Titles (a teaser)
I mentioned in my last post that I was rediscovering Bob Marley and the Wailers for the first time again... The saturation certainly worked to help out with a new song! "Under the Sun" is too quirky-cool to be anything but the first cut. Instead of go on and on about how fun it is to take the "Paul McCartney Approach" of pretending to be another person and then try to write in their style, I'll launch into the track list and offer a brief question that the lyrics raise in my mind:
My hope is that "least" will help people who question the "right" answers they've been handed through life as they keep looking for The Answer. Thanks for participating.
-jdk
- Under the Sun (Ecc. iv.1-2): a look through the Preacher's glasses to ask, "why is it 'okay' that there are oppressed children in this world who have no one to comfort them?"
- Nothing Again: begins from the beginning of my spiritually aware journey, wondering, "if nothing comes from nothing, how can this existence just turn into nothing at the end?"
- Why Porter Ain't Here: whether it's a local physician, educational leader, political figure, or religious guard, "what happens socially when leaders lose their bearing?"
- Ishmael: holding my 4-month old son the day the towers came down, I couldn't help but ponder, "just how far back is our present geopolitical upheaval rooted?"
- Hear: in marriage, as with any other relationship, when we can no longer agree to get along, "how can we begin to be 'we' again?"
- To Any Looking In: it's a bit arrogant to assume the world notices religious efforts, so to be fair, "if (not when) the world thinks 'church', what does it see?"
- I See You: "what does Jesus look like from our time/space distance to one who desperately wants to believe?"
- Remote Control: when those in charge just keep holding their hands on either side of your face, forcing you to look into their eyes, and continually repeat, 'everything's fine, it's all okay, everything's fine...relax, trust me...' despite your most rational protest, "what then??"
- Anymore: in a consumer-driven society oblivious to being played for profit, "how much is enough? What is enough?"
- Lift the Veil (2 Cor 3): "if I'm spiritually blind to what I'm spiritually blind to, then how can I ever hope to see without a little help from a sight-enabling friend?"
- Born to Die: I believe He was 'Born to Die', soooo, "why keep that story silent?"
- My Beloved and Me: "what does sharing the story of eternal love look like in 21st century culture?"
- The Land of Endless Day: an invitation which simply asks, "why in the world would you wait when the world offers nothing at all?"
My hope is that "least" will help people who question the "right" answers they've been handed through life as they keep looking for The Answer. Thanks for participating.
-jdk
21 September 2009
a little update
Spent the weekend gathering materials for pre-production. Here's the basic way I approach the production process:
I've budgeted 100 hours in the studio for this project and have already spent 12 of those getting about half the songs to stage 7 and the other half to stage 4. Around 30 hours into the production process I hope to have all the songs to stage 7 and begin gathering the textures for layering the final sound. The 50 hours between pre-production and post-production (editing and mixing) involve a lot of playing around to experiment with sounds and arrangements.
One "new" influence for me is Bob Marley. Tim has tried for years to get me to listen to the guy's tracks. I finally check him out and can truly say that his recipe for sound is tasty... The bassist's sound is especially intriguing (as is his brother's drum sound). A tricky thing in production is to make the low-end clean enough to allow for a driving rhythm, yet open enough to allow the other parts to be heard with clarity. The Wailers were simply amazing at this, both in the studio and live, from what I can tell.
So, part of the process of designing this project is to surround the lyrics with a sound that invites listeners to listen. There's a lot of good sound out there with spiritually distracting lyrics. I'm glad Henig and I have spent some time studying up on The Beatles and other groups over the years. Glenn Miller may even end up influencing the sound (what an arranger!!). But in the end, this project will be about the lyrics and melodies. All the innovative chordal, rhythmic, and ear-candy tricks in the world won't make up for a deficiency in message.
I'll be posting the list of songs, if the Lord wills, later this week and rolling out lyrics for reviewers to start picking apart. One challenge is that I'm leaving room for at least one completely brand new song to come forth out of the wilderness that is this mind. It's a bit thorny and dry in here these days. However, the refreshing smell of the coming rain swings sweetly in the breeze...
- Pull together lyrics
- Record a rough-draft of the lead vocal and primary instrument
- Determine musical influences already present in the song
- Envision other influences that will compliment the song
- Lay down the pre-production tracks in the decided key and tempo
- Slice up the song and rearrange it to make the song either flow better or become disjointed as needed
- Settle on the desired instrumental, chordal, and rhythmic textures
- Record, record, record
- Edit, edit, edit
- Mix all along the way (allowing time between hearings to refresh my ears)
I've budgeted 100 hours in the studio for this project and have already spent 12 of those getting about half the songs to stage 7 and the other half to stage 4. Around 30 hours into the production process I hope to have all the songs to stage 7 and begin gathering the textures for layering the final sound. The 50 hours between pre-production and post-production (editing and mixing) involve a lot of playing around to experiment with sounds and arrangements.
One "new" influence for me is Bob Marley. Tim has tried for years to get me to listen to the guy's tracks. I finally check him out and can truly say that his recipe for sound is tasty... The bassist's sound is especially intriguing (as is his brother's drum sound). A tricky thing in production is to make the low-end clean enough to allow for a driving rhythm, yet open enough to allow the other parts to be heard with clarity. The Wailers were simply amazing at this, both in the studio and live, from what I can tell.
So, part of the process of designing this project is to surround the lyrics with a sound that invites listeners to listen. There's a lot of good sound out there with spiritually distracting lyrics. I'm glad Henig and I have spent some time studying up on The Beatles and other groups over the years. Glenn Miller may even end up influencing the sound (what an arranger!!). But in the end, this project will be about the lyrics and melodies. All the innovative chordal, rhythmic, and ear-candy tricks in the world won't make up for a deficiency in message.
I'll be posting the list of songs, if the Lord wills, later this week and rolling out lyrics for reviewers to start picking apart. One challenge is that I'm leaving room for at least one completely brand new song to come forth out of the wilderness that is this mind. It's a bit thorny and dry in here these days. However, the refreshing smell of the coming rain swings sweetly in the breeze...
16 September 2009
"least" (at last) - Overview
Well, my proposal for the Capstone Project has been approved. This means that unless things go completely haywire, the Master's of Ministry program will be completed, if the Lord wills, this December.
So, you may be asking, "what exactly is the Capstone Project?" Over the past 31 semester hours of study several "practical ministry" courses have been consumed. These are not your "Bread" courses, but rather how to serve "Bread" (hoping everyone sees the biblical tie-in and that the intent was not so much "studying the Word" as "exploring ways to help contemporary culture see the Word as relevant"). The Capstone Project is a student-designed way to integrate the previous learning into a single, powerful, relevant exposition of learned concepts.
My proposal involves exposing family, friends, acquaintances, and current strangers to lyrical ideas that explore cultural, spiritual and religious issues we face each day. The Capstone Project involves three basic stages. The first is recording a set of songs that are lyrically thought-provoking, musically interesting, and culturally relevant. The second stage is presenting these songs to others, in group settings and individually, for the explicit purpose of generating conversations about the issues the lyrics address. The third stage is to synthesize the results of the conversations for presentation to my evaluators before graduation to the next level.
So. What exactly does this mean for Jeff Kreh? I am embarking on a ministerial experiment to test whether music can be used in the same basic way any other form of advertising is used by the church. We advertise with our buildings, newsletters, dress and rituals, office answering machine messages, sermons, and a multitude of other things - all with the intent and purpose of introducing souls to a greater and more meaningful relationship with Christ. This project will reveal whether a song-based method of attracting and engaging souls is relevant.
To be clear, this is not a "praise & worship" project. These are songs directed, in the main, outward and away from "spiritual" Christians . I define "spiritual Christians" as those who have come to faith in Christ on His terms.
So, you may be asking, "what exactly is the Capstone Project?" Over the past 31 semester hours of study several "practical ministry" courses have been consumed. These are not your "Bread" courses, but rather how to serve "Bread" (hoping everyone sees the biblical tie-in and that the intent was not so much "studying the Word" as "exploring ways to help contemporary culture see the Word as relevant"). The Capstone Project is a student-designed way to integrate the previous learning into a single, powerful, relevant exposition of learned concepts.
My proposal involves exposing family, friends, acquaintances, and current strangers to lyrical ideas that explore cultural, spiritual and religious issues we face each day. The Capstone Project involves three basic stages. The first is recording a set of songs that are lyrically thought-provoking, musically interesting, and culturally relevant. The second stage is presenting these songs to others, in group settings and individually, for the explicit purpose of generating conversations about the issues the lyrics address. The third stage is to synthesize the results of the conversations for presentation to my evaluators before graduation to the next level.
So. What exactly does this mean for Jeff Kreh? I am embarking on a ministerial experiment to test whether music can be used in the same basic way any other form of advertising is used by the church. We advertise with our buildings, newsletters, dress and rituals, office answering machine messages, sermons, and a multitude of other things - all with the intent and purpose of introducing souls to a greater and more meaningful relationship with Christ. This project will reveal whether a song-based method of attracting and engaging souls is relevant.
To be clear, this is not a "praise & worship" project. These are songs directed, in the main, outward and away from "spiritual" Christians . I define "spiritual Christians" as those who have come to faith in Christ on His terms.
This involves listening to His Word, accepting His claim of Lordship, repenting of the will to rebel against His Lordship, proclaiming Him in word and deed as Lord of their life, and submitting to His example and commands for life. Scripture gives baptism into His name for His stated reasons of the forgiveness of sin and gift of the Holy Guest as a key turning point away from rejection of and toward reconciliation with God.
But being a truly "spiritual" Christian means continuing to progressively submit every aspect of life to Christ, not to self or some "institution". These messages are specifically designed to challenge the assumptions of "institutionalized" Christians and non-Christians.
The main purpose and intent of the song-based material is to establish relationships between those souls who are seeking a spiritually significant life and those who are bearing the fruit of being transformed into the image of Christ. This begins with engaging each other over common issues so that we can share our story of a common struggle and our Savior as the common cure (extraordinarily common and simple in profoundly disturbing ways though He is...)
All of these songs are both from a Christian worldview and instrumentally accompanied. However, in the words of a mentor, "these are not songs that I can see being performed in a worship setting." Anyone concerned for me about this will, I believe, understand what is meant by this statement when they read the lyrics...
I ask that you join me in praying for my Capstone efforts during the course of this semester whenever you see “6:14” on a clock (my birthday is June 14, hence “6:14”). Please pray especially that God's will be done and that He bless me with emerging wisdom and a sensitivity to opportunities for influencing souls He entrusts to my presence.
I ask that you join me in praying for my Capstone efforts during the course of this semester whenever you see “6:14” on a clock (my birthday is June 14, hence “6:14”). Please pray especially that God's will be done and that He bless me with emerging wisdom and a sensitivity to opportunities for influencing souls He entrusts to my presence.
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